I spend some time in the garden, enjoying the vibrant life to be found here. I seem to have found a new appreciation for life. I suppose that makes sense, considering I never expected to see today.
After a while, I find myself wandering the gardens restlessly. My feet carry me to the top of the wall, where I can see the whole city. My father was fond of bringing me up here whenever he had important decisions to make concerning the governance of Delaney. He always said it helped him make the right decision, to make it in full view of all of the people who are counting on him. He included me, because I'm his only child and heir.
Thinking about my father now, I wonder if he remembers that he was once a great king. He hasn't left his bed in almost two months, since we moved him to our summer estate, where he would be more comfortable. I'm glad he was there for this whole mess at the capital.
When he passes, the bell will toll. For three days, the bell will cry out twelve times every hour, declaring the king has passed. I expect to hear thee bell tolling every time the hour changes.
I allow my thoughts to turn Jarl Erik. I hadn't thought the man was a coward, I hadn't seen it in him. It still is strange to try and make that label fit the muscular, intelligent, sharp-eyed Viking king. How could a coward have taken Delaney? It isn't possible. I remember his hands on me last night, and for just a moment, I indulge in the memory. Thinking about it makes my heart race. My eyes snap open again, and I chastise myself for behaving like a lovestruck girl. The Jarl is my captor, and at any moment he could decide to just end my life and be done with the problem of the Delaney family.
I lean on the edge of the wall and look down at the city. There seems to be a gathering in the square. At least, there are quite a few people there, and none appear to be leaving. I can't make out who is there, not what they are doing. I stand and watch them for a few minutes, curious about
